Quote:
Originally Posted by Carmaker1
A new Tundra should've been out 2-3 years ago, with a new 4Runner debuting this year or last year. Not the way things are going.
As usual a number of powerful people within Toyota have been cynical about how they approach the US market in regards to trucks and didn't commit to starting the program a decade ago like they should have.
Now they are playing catch-up and having to delay things, but didn't give themselves enough time in the first place, so shit is running behind and leaving customers wondering.
For all the folks who keep stating, "if ain't broke, don't fix it" or "I'm glad they aren't redesigning soon, I just bought my...", you better realize your personal insecurities over driving a dated model or self-absorbed luddite desires have never dictated how Toyota operated in the past nor are they relevant in the present.
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Completely agree with most of your post, though I'm less well-versed on how quickly Toyota can move production lines and ramp up their production scale on TNGA.
The 4runner is a fantastic vehicle for the market segment it's targeting. Rather than doing away with the vehicle, I am glad Toyota continues to produce it and sales are strong. That being said, to keep things fresh, Toyota keeps adding special option packages to keep interest.
When Toyota was making TSS standard on their lineup, 4runner was one of the last ones to get it. If I'm not mistaken, the 86 and 4runner were the only ones excluded from MY17/18 when it became standard.
The interior... the head unit... is extremely dated and a testament to the power of plastic molds. The Land Cruiser is a very capable vehicle as well (granted it's twice the price), and the interior does not look quite so dated.
I've heard other people here make the argument that they'd rather the vehicle be reliable as all these creature comforts have a habit of breaking... Well, I sort of get that angle, but it's a bit of a cop-out IMHO.
It's gotten to the point where it seems like Toyota is not even trying to re-engineer and improve the vehicle much anymore besides changing a few styles here and there. It's a real shame. Toyota has even been late to the party (across all models) for integrating Android Auto and Apple Carplay. IDK if it's a combination of a licensing and pride thing or what. But, it's what one of those things where many cars in 2020 have 6-8" displays by default. Not all have Nav b/c that's generally an upgrade (even on Lexus). So, why not let people at least use their Andoid/Apple phones that are continually getting better/faster and constantly downloading revised nav software from Google/Apple? It's a total money grab by Toyota, but Acura, and other brands do the same thing so not singling out Toyota here.
But, sales keep increasing year to year so maybe there is no incentive for Toyota to rock the ship? That being said, if sales declined in hopes for a new generation, Toyota could use that as an excuse to slash the model altogether.
